Like Strega Nona, Tomie dePaola's stories endure

In this photo taken Sunday Dec. 1, 2013 children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola poses in his studio with artwork from his new book “Jack” in New London, N.H. As he nears his 80th birthday, dePaola, is still working on new books for children. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
The Associated Press

In this photo taken Sunday Dec. 1, 2013 children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola poses in his studio with artwork from his new book “Jack” in New London, N.H. As he nears his 80th birthday, dePaola, is still working on new books for children. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

He recalled saying, "Isn't she cute!'" and set her aside until a book editor asked him to illustrate a folk tale. DePaola researched his favorite story growing up about a pot that keeps producing porridge, changed the porridge to pasta, gave his character magical powers, and the rest is history. The book won the Caldecott Honor, one of many awards dePaola has received, and is listed on the New York Public Library's 100 Great Children's Books from the last century, along with "Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose."

Of Strega Nona's staying power, dePaola says "I think it's because she's like everybody's grandmother. She's cute, she's not pretty, she's kind of funny-looking, but she's sweet, she's understanding. And she's a little saucy. She gets a little irritated every once in a while." A Strega Nona treasury is in the works for 2015, the 40th anniversary of the character and his 50th anniversary in publishing.

To keep a fresh perspective, dePaola takes advice from the child within: "Don't let the little 4-year-old get jaded. I listen to him. He stands beside me and says, 'No, I don't like that.'"